Gable top container



June l5, 1965 s. A. sELINE, JR

@ABLE TOP CONTAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 25, 1961 Q. J mc Tw L WA m *n 5 julle 15, 1955 s. A. sELlNE, JR

GABLE TOP CONTAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 25, 1961 S n o@ N T w WA my A a7 Y B United States Patent Ok sassari;` GABLE TOP CONTAINER YSeaver A: Sellne, Jr., 1304 N. 56th St., Omaha 32, Nebr. Filed July 25,1961, Ser. No. 126,556 i 3 Claims. (615229-17) `This invention relatesto an improved gable top container for holding iluids, and` moreparticularly to a gable topjcarton having an improved formof spout.

Cartons having gablettops are used extensively for packaging lmilk,Abuttermilk, orange` juice and other iluid products.,` The gable `top isparticularly` useful since a container seal and spout may `be'conveniently combined by the` proper folding fof panels into the gableconguration,` Heretofore, the design ofthe spout for gable topcartonshas `possessed a number of disadvantages, severalof which will bediscussed in detail below.

It is an object `of this invention to provide an improved designof agable top carton.

It is another object `to provide a gable top carton with an improvedspout, the `design `ofwhich providesl a better seal and a spout which ismore reliable in operation than priordevices.

Ittisan additional object to provide a gable top carton with sealingsurfaces of reduced area, resulting in a sav ingslof heat energy. q

It is an additional object to provide a spout which Will readily snapopen with a minimum of difficulty with no contamination of the` contentsof the container.

Briefly, the gable top container of this invention cornprises a pair ofopposed inclined walls, joined and sealed along the interfaces ofhorizontal panels disposed on each uppermost edge of one of said walls,thus forming a peaked roof over `said container.- A pair of opposed`triangular side panels are `inclined inwardly under the inclined walls,each triangular panel having a pair of opposed triangular flap portion-shingedly secured on each of the side edges thereof. These ap `portionsrest against the `.underside of the Walls and each has a quadrilateralstrip portion `hingedly disposed along the top edge thereof, the stripportions on adjacent ap portions being hingedly joined to one anotheralong a `common edge. The strip `portions are secured between saiduppermost edges. vide` a retractable spout for said container, "thestrip portions of said pair having opposed L-shaped recessed portionsalong their upper edges and communicating with one another to providereduced sealing areas of said strip poitionswith respect to saiduppermost edges. On the interior areas on thehorizontal panels of theinclined walls, dened by the opposedL-shaped recessed portions, `anabhesive or release agent is coated thereon to` prevent :sealing ofthese interior areas when the container is assembled and sealed.

The above and other objects of the present invention will `appear fromthe following description which is to be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings where like components in the several views areidentified by the same reference numerals. It should be understood,however, that components of which this invention consists may bevariously arranged and organized, and that `this invention is notlimited to the speciic arrangement and organization of theinstrumentalities as herein shown and described.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan View of the flat blank out of which the improvedcontainer of this invention is formed;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the open gabletop prior to sealing;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the upper partof the container with the gable top sealed;

One pair of the ap portions is adapted to proi ICC FIGURE 4 isl anenlarged fragmentary,` partially secl tioned, perspective view of theassembled and sealed gable top; and

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view ofthe containerwith the spout of the gable top units open position. l Referring toFIGURE 1, a flat blank 10 is shown.

Fromthe blank ltl, the improved gable top container of this invention ismade. Blank 10 is made of a heat sealable material such as polyethyleneor paper coated with t a wide variety of plastic compounds. `Theartrequires that the` carton material used must, havethe property i ofproducing cartons withitluid-tight seals` at all joined portions of the`assembled container. t Flat blank 1t),V is divided `into areas whichwill' be described shortly. These areas are defined by a series ofscored linesI on which the blank is folded to produce` the completedcontainer in` three dimensions. Thus, four side panels 11, 12, 13, 14are provided with a side liap 15 which is sealed against the undersideof` panel 11 when the container is assembled. A Couven-p,

tional bottom closure is provided and is made up of mutually overlappingpanels 16, 17, 18, 19.

The gable top Ziuof` the nished container 21 (FIG.

3) is constructed from the following components which l A,

are clearly visible in the flat blank lltl of FIG.` 1. pairoftrectangular walls 22, 23 hingedly secured along the-upper perimeterof side panels 12 and 14 on scored lines 24, 25 provide the sides ofgable top 20; and when these walls 22, 23 are folded over, they assumetheshape of a peaked roof covering container 21. Along the top edge ofthe Walls 22, 23 are disposed horizontal panels" 26, 27 on hingedorscored lines 28, 29. Panels 26, 27 are later joined to form the `topclosure of the gable top 20.

On alternate sides 11,13 of the blank 10 are trianygular side panels30,31 separated from the container side panels 13 and 11` by scoredlines `32, 33. On each of the two sides of `triangular side panels 30,31 are `a pair of opposedtriangular flap portions` 34, 35 and 36, 37.VEachtpair of Vthe said flap portions is hingedly joined to thetriangular panels 30, 31-on scored lines 38,` 39.` and 40, 41. The lineswhich separate flap portions 36 and 35 .froinrectangular wall 22, andwhich f from wall 23 are scored lines` t separate flap portion 34 42 4sand 44.

Rectangular walls 22, 23^and their `adjoining horizontal panels 26, 27are each provided with flared scored` p lines 45, 4a, running Vfromcornersu 47, 48 on the first or spout side of the gable top`Ztl'upvvardly toward the t upper central portions 49, 50 of panels 26,27.

Superadjacent the `triangular flap-.portions 36, 37 on scored lines 51,52are small quadrilateral strips 53,-` 54 Theselatter strips are joinedto eachother on a com-M` mon scored `line 55. Strips` 53, 54 are on thesecond side of the .gable top 2t), opposite that side `which pro videstheyspoutV 55 `of the -nished container 21.

cessed, L-shaped strips157, 58 are separated `from flap portions 34, 35by scored lines 61, 62 and are separated i;

from each other `by a `common scored line 63.

In the container of this invention, i-t is the provision` of therecessed, L-shaped` strips 57, 5S with tabs 59, 60

which results in a `marked improvement in spout 56 and gable top 20.`sults in a savings in heat energy, while :small tabs 59, provide ameans whereby the gabletop 2i) can be sealed The narrower design ofstrips 57, 58 re' with a minimum of difliculty. When the consumer formsthe spout 56 in order to pour out the luid contents of container 2l, theminimal sealing area of tabs S9, e@ renders it easier to open the topand form spout 56, and eliminates the threat of contamination by theconsumer of the containers iluid contents. The diiiiculties attendingthe formation of prior art spouts made such contarnination likely.

FGURE 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the partially'asseinbledcontainer 2li. Prior to assembly, flat blank lll is printed with anabhesive material. An abhesive or release agent is a material such as asilicon emulsion or cellophane which prevents the heat sealing of thesurfaces to which it is applied. ln the case of the invention describedherein, an abhesive is coated or printed on the interior surfaces ofhorizontal panels 26, 27 in the areas 7l, 72, defined by the recessedportions of the opposed L-shaped strips 57, 53. See FlGS. 2, 4 and 5.The presence of an abhesive at 7l, 72 will prevent the sealing of thoseinterior surfaces of the panels Z6, 27 and make it easier for theconsumer to form spout55.

'Flat blank lil is then folded on the side scored lines 63, ed and 65,66 to form a hollow tube which defines the container 2l. Flap l5 issecured to the underside of side panel ll by the application of heat andpressure. Bottom closure llaps lo, i7, 1S, 19 are folded to form apermanent and duid-tight bottom closure (not shown). Rectangular walls22, 23 are bent inwardly on scored lines 24, 25 so that each panelinclines slightly over container 2l. Triangularpanels 39, 3l are bentinwardly on scored lines 32, 33 under panels Y22, 23. The container Zllwith the unsealed gable top 2li would assume the torrn shown in FlGURE 2just prior to sealing.

To complete the assembly, rectangular walls 22, 2.3 are bent toward eachother until the inner surfaces or hori zontal panels 26, 27approximately touch each other, Triangular side panels Citi, 3l arepushed toward each other until the pairs of triangular llap portions 34,35 and 36, 37 bend outwardly over panels 3d, 3l and lie adjacent theunderside of walls 22, 23. The quadrilateral strips 53, 5d are insertedbetween horizontal panels 26, 27. As a result of the design herein, onlythe tabs 59, all of strips 57, 53 are inserted between the panels 215,Z7. Heat and pressure are used to seal gable top 2? by securing panel 26to panel 27, and further by securing strips 53, 5d and tabs 59, ditbetween strips 26, 27. The nished gable top Ztl assumes the formillustrated in FIGURE 3. A staple 67 may be inserted through strips 26,27. lt reinforces the heat seal and assists in holding panels 26, 27,strips 53, 5d and tabs 59, di) together. Care must be taken to avoidinterfering with the operation of spout 56 when a staple 67 is used.

When a consumer decides to use the iluid contents of container 2li.,pressure is applied outwardly at a pair of opposed points 68, 6% on theunderside of rectangular walls 22, 23. (See FlG. 5.) The pressure isapplied to the triangular flap portions 34, 35 in the vicinity of thelrea 68, 69, which in turn transmits the force to the walls 22, 23. Theseal between tabs 59, e@ and horizontal panels 26, 27 is broken withease. The presence of the abhesive on areas 7l, 72 maires the rupturingof the seal an the spout side of the gable top much easier. Therectangular walls ZZ, 235 are bent backward along ilared scored lines45, 46. This action causes spout 56 to snap Jutwardly.

To cause retraction of spout 5e, a small inwardly diected force isexerted at apex 7l). The spout 56 will snap Jack into place. The flaredportions of rectangular panels 22, 23 -are pressed back into theirinitial position. This effects a temporary closure of gable top Ztl.

In FIGURE 4, a partial sectional view of the gable top 2ti'illustratesthe disposition of the various sealed surfaces of the said top.Quadrilateral strips S3 and 54 are secured between horizontal panels 26,Z7. The heat ,ses

.l sealing operation permanently secures strips 53, 54 between panels26, 27. On the spout side, however, abhesive is applied to areas 7l,'72. A heat seal is only effected between tabs S9, 6@ and panels 26, 27.The strength of the seal is sufficient for transportation and handlingof container 2l, but may be ruptured with ease by the consunieraccording to the method described above.

The design of gable top containers of the prior art called forquadrilateral strips similar to 57, 58 on both the closed and spoutsides. The use of comparatively wide strips on the spout side created anumber of problems which have been effectively solved by the design ofthis invention which results in an improved container. The design hereineliminates bullcy layers of carton material which would otherwiseinterfere with the proper sealing o'f the gable top. More positivepressure may thus be directly applied to the sealing areas of horizontalpanels Z6, 27, and an improved seal results. The appearance of the gabletop 29 and container 2l is also improved; and the improved sealprecludes the entry of contaminants through openings in the gable topwhich were present in the design of the prior art.

Abhesive need only be placed on the inner surface of horizontal panels26, 2'7 in the areas 7l, 72. This eliminates the requirement fortwo-sided abhesive printing; ln addition, the sealing area is reduced.The smaller area on which the fluid Contents of the container mayadhere, reduces the danger of contamination of the uid contents duringsealing and also reduces the amount of heat required which wouldotherwise be used in converting the adherent fluid to steam.

Having thus describe-:l my invention, l claim:

l. A gable top for a container comprising a pair of opposed inclinedwalls each having an upright panel hingedly disposed on the uppermostedges thereof, said walls being inclined inwardly over said container toform a peaked roof, said panels being joined and sealed to each other, apair of opposed triangular side panels inclined inwardly under saidwalls, each triangular panel having a air of opposed triangular flapportions hingedly secured on each of the side edges there f, said flapportions resting against the underside of said walls and each having aquadrilateral strip portion hingedly disposed along the top edgesthereof, the strip portions on adjacent flap portions being hingedlyjoined to one another along a cornmon edge, said strip portions securedbetween said upright panels, one pair of said iiap portions adapted toprovide a retractable spout for said container and the stripl portionsthereof having opposed rectangular recesesd p0rtions ot substantialdepth and extent along their upper edges communicating with one anotherto provide reduced sealing areas of said strip portions with respectto,- said upright panels, the opposed inner surfaces of said uprightpanels, which surfaces are defined by said rec tangular recessedportions of said strip portions, being, coated with an abhesivesubstance.

2. A gable top for a container comprising a pair of opposed inclinedwalls each having an upright panel hing-- edly disposed on the uppermostedges thereof, said wallsl being inclined inwardly over said containerto form a.

peaked roof, said panels being joined and sealed to each other, a pairof opposed triangular side panels inclined. inwardly under said walls,each triangular panel having4 a pair ot opposed triangular flap portionshingedly se-V cured on each of the side edges thereof, said llapportions resting against the underside of said walls and each having aquadrilateral strip portion hingedly disposed along the top edgethereof, the strip portions on adjacent flap portions being hingedlyjoined to one another along a common edge, said strip portions securedbetween said upright panels, one pair or" said lisp portions adapted toprovide a retractable spout for said container and the strip portionsthereof having opposed L-shaped recessed portions of substantial depthand extent along their upper edges communicating with one another toprovide reduced sealing areas of said strip portions with respect tosaid upright panels, the opposed inner surfaces of said upright panelswhich surfaces are defined by said rectangular recessed portions of saidstrip portions, being coated with an abhesive substance.

3. A gable top container comprising a pair of opposed inclined Wallseach having an upright panel hingedly disposed on the uppermost edgesthereof, said walls being inclined inwardly over said container to fornia peaked roof over said container, said panels being joined and sealedto each other, a pair of opposed trianguiar side i panels inclinedinwardly under said walls, each triangular panel having a pair or"opposed triangular flap portions hingedly secured on each of the sideedges thereof, said iap portions resting against the underside of saidWalls and each having a quadrilateral strip portion hingedly disposedalong the top edge thereof, the strip portions on adjacent iiap portionsbeing hingedly joined to one another along a common edge, said stripportions secured between said upright panels, one pair of said flapportions adapted to provide a retractabie spout for said container andthe strip portions thereof having opposed References Cited by theExaminer UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,362,862 11/41.1 Sidebotham 229-17 XOTHER REFERENCES Iagenberg: German printed application, 1,052,305,

March 1959.

Jagenberg: German printed application 1,090,067, September i960.

FRANKLTN T. GARRETT, Primary Examiner.

EARLE i. DRUMMOND, Examiner.

1. A GABLE TOP FOR A CONTAINER COMPRISING A PAIR OF OPPOSED INCLINEDWALLS EACH HAVING AN UPRIGHT PANEL HINGEDLY DISPOSED ON THE UPPERMOSTEDGES THEREOF, SAID WALLS BEING INCLINED UPWARDLY OVER SAID CONTAINER TOFORM A PEAKED ROOF, SAID PANELS BEING JOINED AND SEALED TO EACH OTHER, APAIR OF OPPOSED TRIANGULAR SIDE PANELS INCLINED INWARDLY UNDER SAIDWALLS, EACH TRIANGULAR PANEL HAVING A PAIR OF OPPOSED TRIANGULAR FLAPPORTIONS HINGEDLY SECURED ON EACH OF THE SIDE EDGES THEREOF, SAID FLAPPORTIONS RESTING AGAINST THE UNDERSIDE OF SAID WALLS AND EACH HAVING AQUADRILATERAL STRIP PORTION HINGEDLY DISPOSED ALONG THE TOP EDGESTHEREOF, THE STRIP PORTIONS ON ADJACENT FLAP PORTIONS BEING HINGEDLYJOINED TO ONE ANOTHER ALONG A COMMON EDGE, SAID STRIP PORTIONS SECUREDBETWEEN SAID UPRIGHT PANELS, ONE PAIR OF SAID FLAP PORTIONS ADAPTED TOPROVIDE A RETRACTABLE SPOUT FOR SAID CONTAINER AND THE STRIP PORTIONSTHEREOF HAVING OPPOSED RECTANGULAR RECESSES PORTIONS OF SUBSTANTIALDEPTH AND EXTENT ALONG THEIR UPPER EDGES COMMUNICATING WITH ONE ANOTHERTO PROVIDE REDUCED SEALING AREAS OF SAID STRIP PORTIONS WITH RESPECT TOSAID UPRIGHT PANELS, THE OPPOSED INNER SURFACES OF SAID UPRIGHT PANELS,WHICH SURFACES ARE DEFINED BY SAID RECTANGULAR RECESS PORTIONS OF SAIDSTRIP PORTIONS, BEING COATED WITH AN ABHESIVE SUBSTANCE.